Sunday, January 21, 2018

January Thaw

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In spite of the bitter cold that we've all been complaining about, once again this month we are experiencing a January thaw and it feels so nice! What also felt nice this week was being able to cut back on my miles a bit. Who doesn't love a cut back week? I also enjoyed some CrossFit and yoga and lunch with Marcia where we caught up on life and all things running and blogging.



Before the thaw, there were some really cold temperatures to endure.

Glad I don't have to worry about that!
While it's always fun to be that crazy cold weather runner, I was starting to grow tired of my winter ninja getup. My fleece lined tights felt snug and I just couldn't move the way I liked. My Thermoball jacket keeps the heat in but man does it make me sweat! It's kind of weird to be so cold and have sweat running down my face. The toe warmers were burning the bottoms of my feet. Waaa, waaa, waaa. I whined quite a bit this week! But the temperatures gradually got warmer and the layers started to peel off.

Wednesday's cold but very pretty 6 miler.
Thursday's wind chill was above zero! No ninja! 
Saturday, Steph, who was finally recovered from the flu, wanted to join me for my long run. I originally had 10-12 on the plan, but she didn't think she could go that far, so we did about 7.5. What are friends for if not to cut the miles on a long run? I actually haven't been feeling that well this week--I am having a minor flare of RA symptoms and have been somewhat fatigued, so a cutback week was just the thing. So was the company of a good running buddy.

Sunday's solo run was a test of fortitude as I fought some nausea. Fortunately, I was able to push through my 5 miles without anything eventful happening.

No ninja face mask, no Thermoball, no fleece tights!
CrossFit was an absolute blast this week. Sammy Jo kept it interesting for me. On Monday, I told her how wrecked I was from my 10 miler the day before, so instead of the Tabata she had planned, I did a "push/pull" workout which I enjoyed immensely! I also carried a 50# ball around between activities. 

Because who wouldn't want to carry around a 50# ball?
On Thursday, we did strength.  Did I mention strength? It's as heavy as it looks.


I also did yoga at home, using videos from YouTube. I've been needing recovery and restorative yoga. Also all those vinyasas I'm used to doing really paid off at CrossFit this week when Sammy Jo had me do "T-rex pushups"! Yogis will recognize these as chaturanga! How long can you hold it? Try it and tell me how you did in the comments.

Make sure your elbows are hugging your sides.
Overall, it's been a good week. I'm hoping this RA flare goes away without me needing to start steroids. Fingers crossed!

How was your week? Are you thawing out? Did you get some good miles in? Did you try the T-Rex pushups? How long can you hold them?

It's the Weekly Wrap! This linkup, hosted by Holly and me, is an opportunity for fitness bloggers to share their training with other fitness bloggers. We are a friendly bunch here but there are a couple of rules. Your post MUST be fitness related. You MUST comment on the hosts' blogs. It would be really nice if you'd comment on a few of the other blogs too. Don't link and leave or you might find your link has left the linkup! Sharing is caring. Have a wonderful week.

100 comments :

  1. Yes! Same thaw but I think the one here might be a little warmer than the one there. But, I'm so with you on loving not wearing ALL the clothing. Sometimes, I feel like I'm clomping around like the Michelin man or something like that. I've never run with toe warmers in my shoes. Are they hard to get used to? Do you feel them inside your shoe? I'd be so afraid that I would chafe!!

    Hope the flare up melts away with the thaw. <3

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    1. Since I put the toe warmers under my insoles, I don't feel them. What I do feel is that nice warmth radiating through. If I put them directly under my feet, they are too hot.

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  2. Glad you are having a winter thaw, we are here too and it feels so good! I hope your RA does not continue to flair up. Perhaps that has something to do with the weather? Is that possible? Or is it more about how your body reacts to your workouts?

    Thanks for hosting the link up!
    PS, what size do you make your pictures on your blog? I think those are a good size and wondering if mine are too large.

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    1. I think I select "large" when I'm sizing them. I'll use the "extra large" setting for my title photo, though.

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  3. We had a thaw but often it comes on my rest day.

    Never done a push-up!!

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  4. Oh, the thaw felt so glorious!!!!! I can hold a chaturanga pose/plank...but the push-ups are not happening. It almost feels like my arms won't bend or move that way (?). #pushupfrustrations

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    1. Just gotta glue those elbows to your sides and keep your core tight. If your arms are flaring out, it won't happen.

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  5. I know just regular pushups with your arms tucked in feel so much harder. I'll have to try the T-rex yoga pose thingy and get back to you. (Can you tell I'm not a yogi? Although I did do a routine from Five Parks that you recommended this week.) I'm glad you were able to run with Steph. The expression on your face in that picture says it all!

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    1. I was always a solo runner, but I sure do love my running friends now!

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  6. It warmed up here too and felt amazing this weekend! I didnt realize how much I missed running outside. I'm sure we're not done with the cold but it definitely helps to have a break from it!

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    1. I keep thinking that it can't be as bad anymore, right? February is right around the corner!

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  7. Oh, this crazy weather we are having! So glad to have some relief. Sorry to hear about your flare. I hope it's mild and short-lived!

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    1. As long as I can run, I can deal with the flare. Trying to hold off on the steroids!

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  8. I chuckle when I read - "wind chill above zero no ninja gear" posts because I'm still wrapped up like an eskimo until it's above freezing. :) It's almost 70 here today and glorious. I have way too much core work to do before I can attempt that push-up, which reminds me that I was going to start planking again this week but never did. ;)

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    1. I'm not a fan of core work, which is why I like to plank! Arms and core all in one handy dandy move!

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  9. Yes! We got another thaw and it's glorious. The snow still hasn't fully melted but we are on the way. I love your skirt from the #50 ball pic. What brand is it? Your pics make me want to try crossfit!

    Hopefully your nice temps continue this week!

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    1. Oh thank you! I don't ever go to the CrossFit classes--I work with a coach on my own. That way the workouts are tailored to what I need. The skirt is INKnBURN. I love it too!

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  10. We had a thaw this weekend, but it's still pretty cold in the mornings. Sure hope you are feeling better soon.

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    1. Thank you! I'm trying to decide if it's a virus or an RA flare. Whatever it is can just go away!

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  11. It's 71 degrees here today, which feels so odd after our hard freeze three days ago of 16. MAKE UP YOUR MIND, TEXAS. I'm still not back to running after being so sick, so I'll just enjoy your pictures and know that running will be there for me when I'm ready. Happy that you thawed out, finally!

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    1. Today, I totally thought of you and prayed that my zofran would keep things under control. So far so good. I hope you get back on the road soon!

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  12. We experienced a thaw here too and it's been very pleasant!

    Loving your runs and Crossfit workouts, and of course you know I love your InkBurn shirt!

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  13. The thaw was glorious and I hope it sticks around for awhile as we continue to gain daylight. Less than 60 days til spring after all! I've never used foot or hand warmers. What is up with that??

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  14. I am terrible at pushups but especially triceps pushups! You look amazing doing yours! Hope your body responds to the cutback and that's all you need.

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    1. Me too! I'm holding out on taking the steroids but I may have to give in this week if I continue to feel like this.

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  15. Hope you start feeling better soon! It was pretty warm here yesterday -- about 50-60 degrees on my run and then warmed up to 75 later in the day!

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    1. 75 sounds like heaven! We were in the 50s today and that was ok too.

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  16. Me and chaturanga do not get along. I know I need to work on it more. Maybe if I call them T-Rex pushups it would motivate me more. LOL

    I'm hoping that thaw lasts a couple more weeks as we're driving to MN in a few days.

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  17. Great running Wendy! I usually run solo but enjoy running with a friend too. I will have to try the T-Rex pushups! Hope you feel better and have a great week!

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  18. I'm too comfy reading blogs on my new sofa to get down and try the T-rex pushups, but I know from experience that pushups that put emphasis on my triceps aren't very pretty. I do think I could hold the position with a lot more success than doing pushups.

    I hope you start feeling better quickly!

    Thanks for the linkup!

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  19. WOW Trex push ups are insane. too hard for me! I can't even do regular ones, but I need to try agaain soon!

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  20. Nice week! It's been a while since I've done the chatarungas... I just tried and I can still hold it for a little bit. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

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  21. Love cut back weeks! Sounds like a great week for you with warmer temps and all! Great job on the T-rex push ups! I didn't try but they look tough.

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  22. oooh send me Sammy Jo please.
    I need me some push pull workout and someone to MAKE ME DO THE PUSH PULL WORK OUT as well. :-)

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  23. After a very cold SUnday and Monday it started to thaw out here, and it has felt so good! For some reason this year I am really hating the below zero weather and am having a harder time embracing it. Thankfully the weather looks pretty good this coming week..like into the 30s! Great week with your workouts and looking good in all your Inknburn!

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  24. We went through the same thaw and it has been great!! Unfortunately, it will be back to freezing this week. And, I hear you on the freezing sweat and burning hand and foot warmers :-) It's comical how ridiculous it all is!!! Loving your CF workouts since I quit my CF gym. I'm using another app now through my coach but it's not as fun when you're doing it solo. Maybe I can Skype you in?? LOL!!!

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    1. Seriously! We've talked about doing Skype workouts with my former coach Becky. I guess it's not the worst thing, right?

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  25. Hope you are feeling better this week! Those are some heavy weights my friend-I love it! I think everyone is tired of all of the ninja running clothes. It was fun for a few days but then not so much. Have a great week

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  26. Sounds like you're really jelling with the new coach! For someone who wasn't feeling great you got a whole lot of working out in.

    We still have snow, but we do have warmer temps, so my guess is we're also going to see a short mud season. Never fear, February is just around the corner. :)

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  27. Our entire January has felt like a thaw! We had snow at the end of December and everything has been in the 30-40s since then. Pilates push-ups are similar to T-rex ones and I like them.

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    1. Can you believe I've never done Pilates? I know it's similar to yoga, but I do like the mind/body connection in yoga.

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  28. I hope your RA calms down as the week goes on. It’s a cutback week for me too. My favorite!

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    1. I need to ramp back up this week but I'm still feeling a little yucky!

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  29. The weather has been (and continues to be) such a nice break from the cold! I am in awe of how much you are able to do despite the RA. Hope the flare up backs off this week!

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    1. Me too! I'm really trying to avoid the steroids. Stay tuned...

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  30. So glad to hear that it's finally warming up a tad for you guys ...although that's still butt cold for us! Ummm, as to the T-Rex pushups? I can get into the position and hold it like a plank for about 30 seconds then fall flat on my face ...I cannot push back up. So ...guess that's something I can work on while recovering from this marathon! :)

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    1. I could use some work on the t-rex pushups too. They are really hard!

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  31. It was 60 degrees on Friday, and then we got a snow storm yesterday. The alleyway looks like an ice rink, but it's not too bad, with the right car and tires. I do yoga at home too, and I love chaturanga. I didn't have a lot of upper body strength in high school, so I feel like a badass with chaturanga.

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  32. It was SO nice running on Saturday with just capris and a long sleeve! I love it!
    I can't do any t-rex pushups or chaturanga, I always end up with my face on the floor! (I should probably work on my upper body strength...)

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  33. I've never heard the term T-rex push-ups before but it's perfect! I've been loving the warmer weather we've had recently.

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  34. Oh yes! I'm loving the thaw we're having this week too! Although we went from snow early last week to severe thunderstorms last night...it's just normal for Arkansas weather to change by the minute! :)

    Great workouts last week Wendy!! Those weights looked insanely heavy!!! Can you pass some of your strength over my way?

    Hoping your flare up goes away really soon!!! Enjoy the week otherwise!!

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    1. We're having t-shorms tonight and then snow in the morning. Crazy, right?

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  35. I could only do 13 seconds on my T-Rex pushup. While I feel embarrassed because I'm sure that's a lot less than you (I probably don't want to know how much less!), I guess it's more than some people. OMG, that was harder than I thought!! I did it until I collapsed on my own face... lol.

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    1. Hey, I'm glad you tried it and btw, I only got about 30 seconds. It's hard!

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  36. Definitely thawing out! I got my miles in and looking forward to spring! I did a lot of push ups but will need to try the TRex push ups.

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  37. Seeing your chaturanga reminds me that I have lost all my yoga fitness! and I need to do better!

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    1. I haven't been doing as much yoga lately and I was getting worried about that!

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  38. It sounds like you had a productive week. I love anything using the T-Rex!

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  39. You are so incredibly fit. You give me goals!!

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    1. You are too kind. I'm so incredibly scared right now--losing fitness is my biggest fear and I'm starting to slow down. It's mentally very tough!

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  40. It's been nice to ditch the layers on my runs lately. During my run yesterday, it was 30 degrees. I saw some friends during it and screamed, "it's so warm!!!". They looked at me like I was crazy. Clearly, I have brain freeze from sub zero temps. ;)

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    1. Not one bit crazy. It might be "cold" but it's all a matter of perspective. Right now 30 sounds pretty darned good to me!

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  41. It thawed out for a bit here...followed by all the sidewalks that hadn't been kept cleared turning into solid sheets of ice. If I got to choose, I'd pick the cold over that!

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  42. Wow, I tried the chaturanga and realized I certainly haven't been training those muscles. Thanks for the inspiration because now I definitely have something new to work on...
    Stay Warm!!

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  43. I've been thoroughly enjoying this spring-like weather, but with it only being the end of January I'm worried about what Mother Nature might gift us with before winter is over. Fingers crossed that we've already had to deal with the worst of it!

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  44. Wow, that does look like a lot of weights on that bar! Nice week for you, hope the RA flare goes away!

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    1. I am happy to report that I am feeling much better today. Thank you!

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  45. We had a crazy cold snap here that lasted for 2 weeks! I don't remember it ever being that cold for that long... I stuck to the 'mill during that time!!

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    1. Same here. It was bad! I don't ever remember being that cold for so long either. Glad it's done.

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  46. Our weather is all over the place here too. COLD one day, warm another. I just wish winter would be winter!!!

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    1. I had that exact thought today on my run as I was pelted with freezing rain. Crazy!

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  47. So glad for better weather! And I love me some restorative yoga. It's the best and definitely helped with injury recovery, too.

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    1. I need to get on the mat more often. I can tell I am missing it!

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  48. I'm late to the party but looks like you still had a good week! the crossfit stuff looks amazing! do you know what it was that made you feel nauseous on Sunday though? Glad you've been able to thaw out a bit. We wouldn't want your penis to shrink hahahahahahahaha!

    I was super busy last week. And all over the place!

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    1. I wish I knew why I felt so crummy--I'm still having issues and I have a suspicion that it is RA! Damnit!

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  49. Thawing out, and getting ready for the freeze again! And then another thaw...it's crazy here lately, dude. SOLID WEEK, boo!

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